Carlos:

Being the sister of a Down's Syndrome child, I've always wondered why my brother, Carlos, was just a little different.  Even as a little girl, I asked my mom, "why doesn't Carlos play outside?" or some other related questions.  She would just tell me that Carlos is different, that he doesn't like to play outside.

I've grown up around Carlos and his friends, and there's no other way to describe them but as special.  People call them retarded, stupid, or any silly name, but that's only because they don't know them.  They only see their weaknesses and not their capabilities or talents.  I guess being with Carlos helps me understand what few people could ever dream to understand; he, and any person like him, is no different from anyone else.  Not from me, and certainly not from anybody else.  He likes to play sports, eat ice cream, watch movies and play video games just as much.  He's exactly like a child that is growing up very slowly, I just wish that everyone could see that.

"Special" kids do have feelings; they cry when they hurt, yell when they're angry, and laugh when they're happy.  What hurts me the most is that some people are so cruel and judgmental towards kids like Carlos that they don't realize the pain they can cause.  Many times, I've heard this jok where one would say, "I'm special" and another would say, "Yeah, Special Ed!" sometimes that remark is offensive to me, but most of the time I would think, "You will never be 'special' enough to be in that class."

Once that you've had the experience of being around Carlos, and other kids like him, the feeling is indescribable.  I can say from experience, that there's more to Carlos than any person will know at first.  He can sense and understand how I'm feeling.  If I am sad, he tries to make me laugh, just like a friend.

Having a handicapped sibling, a special bond is formed within the family.  Just a few days ago, I read an article about gymnast Morgan White, with 20-year-old brother, Dustin, that has Down's Syndrome.  I don't think she could have said this any better, "I never feel pity for Dustin.  I do not see him as any different from my other brother, Dylan.  But there's a special bond with Dustin."  It is so amazing to find a girl in the same situation as myself, because I know how she feels, and can relate to her.

Carlos is very special to me, and has been a blessing to our family.  He is weak with words, but we would not change him at all.  He is no different from other kids, he is just precious, sometimes more.

I have been lucky enough to know and learn that Carlos is no different from me.  I pity those who have never met anyone like Carlos.  There are so many things about life that can be learned from them; they just need the chance to teach. 

Gena Murillo Jr.
Sister of Carlos